The Long Con [[ Nami x Law ]]

Ch 3 - The Demonstration

They entered the apartment after their quick walk home from the bar. Law tossed his hat on the couch and ran his fingers through his hair as he began pacing.

Law's frustration was obvious. Nami felt a little guilty as she watched him wear a path in the rug. "Hey, I know this wasn't the plan, but it's kind of better."

He stopped in his tracks to glare at her. "How could this possibly be better?!"

"Because we can use him to get better intel. You've been here weeks, and we still don't have any clue where the genetics research is being held. It's not the hand we expected, but I still intend to play it."

Law growled and clenched his fists at his side. "We were getting closer without drawing attention. He knows our faces now, so any chance of us sneaking around without being recognized is gone."

"Well, then it's a good thing I won't need to sneak. I've got a personal invitation to the most secure building on this island."

"A lot of good that's going to do with the green prince watching your every move."

"He's not the first rich creep I've taken to the cleaners. I know what I'm doing."

"Nami-ya." Law grabbed Nami's shoulders, making her face him. He paused to look at her hard in the eyes. When he spoke again, his tone was less annoyed and more serious. "Remember who we are dealing with. The Vinsmokes are genetically enhanced. We have no idea what specifically that entails. I have no doubt you can handle any number of rich jerks, but this is different. There's a good chance their physical strength isn't the only thing that was modified. We can't treat this like a normal con. We need to be more careful."

Nami wanted desperately to be mad at him, but he had a point. If somehow their perception was enhanced as well, she couldn't risk relying on slight of hand.

Noticing her consider his words, he let go of her shoulders but stayed standing directly in front of her. He let out a sigh and began to think through everything out loud. "Not attending the dinner isn't an option. It would just look suspicious... You'll have to go alone, though. Thanks to your improvised cover for us, I won't be able to come with you."

"If I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be invited at all."

Law's annoyance returned as Nami tried to explain. "He was looking at you like he wanted to pummel you into the dirt but also like he was trying to remember something. Is there any reason he would know who you are? Maybe from something you did before joining Doflamingo?"

Law stopped to think for a moment and shook his head. "No, he wouldn't know me outside of this island."

Nami saw the frustration on Law's face melt away, replaced by solemn and concern. It was strange. She hardly knew him, but something about that look felt familiar, and it made her want to comfort him.

"You're right. We need to be careful. I promise not to ruin all the work you've done for us already."

Law gave her a surprised look, but she could tell he was somewhat reassured.

"Sticky fingers aren't the only traits of a good thief." She smiled as she looked back at him. "Staying on Yonji's good side can mean less suspicion on us once we do get what we came here for." She saw him hesitate, but she reached out and gave his hand a quick squeeze.

"I know you don't trust me completely, but you were right. What you said yesterday at the docks. I need us to succeed as much as you do."

Law looked back at her thoughtfully, then looked down at her hand, still holding his. Nami quickly retreated her hold on him, realizing what she was doing. She turned to hide her blush and headed to her bedroom.